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Tue, 15 Aug 2017 19:59:44 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2New Study Shows Responsibly Managed Lawns Reduce Carbon Footprinthttp://opei.org/new-study-shows-responsibly-managed-lawns-reduce-carbon-footprint/
http://opei.org/new-study-shows-responsibly-managed-lawns-reduce-carbon-footprint/#commentsMon, 10 May 2010 15:44:30 +0000Kristenhttp://opei.org/?p=635Alexandria, VA – June 5, 2008 – A turfgrass study conducted by Dr. Ranajit Sahu, an independent environmental and energy expert and University instructor, on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), shows that responsibly managed lawns sequester, or store, significant amounts of carbon. In fact, healthy turfgrass can capture up to four times more carbon from the air than is produced by the engine of today’s lawnmowers. The findings are based on several peer-reviewed, scientific studies and models where carbon sequestration had been measured in managed and unmanaged turfgrass. The full report is available at our page dedicated to the Carbon Report.

“We were unsure about the study’s outcome, but existing data shows that a net carbon benefit exists from well-managed turfgrass, such as the typical American lawn,” said Dr. Sahu, who reviewed existing data to determine the carbon sequestered by turfgrass, such as household lawns, golf courses, and sports fields, as well as wild grassland systems. “When you take care of your lawn and promote a healthy root system, your lawn acts as a carbon sink, pulling and storing away carbon.”

The report, titled Technical Assessment of the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Managed Turfgrass in the United States, assesses the carbon benefit of well-managed turfgrasses that are cut regularly and at the appropriate height, fed with nutrients, such as grass clippings, watered in a responsible way, and not disturbed at the root zone.

“It turns out that you can reduce your carbon footprint right in your own backyard,” said Kris Kiser, Vice President, Public Affairs, OPEI. “Mowing grass and pruning shrubs and trees keeps plants in a growing state. This, in turn, ensures they are actively pulling carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas — from the air.”

Added Dr. Sahu, “your lawn, if managed properly, can be essentially a decent foot soldier in our quest to reduce our carbon footprint. The key is to actively manage your lawn to improve its carbon intake, and not letting it ‘go to seed’ and into a “dormant state.”

About OPEI
OPEI is an international trade association representing the $15 billion landscape, forestry, utility and lawn equipment manufacturing industry. OPEI is committed to ongoing efforts to ensure consumer safety and access to outdoor power equipment in order to maintain and enhance outdoor landscapes. OPEI works with federal, state and local groups to ensure that equipment operates efficiently, effectively and is fully emission compliant. For more information on OPEI visit www.opei.org.